The Cybersecurity Jobs Crisis is Worsening…Don’t Make These Hiring Mistakes

There are more challenges than ever before, and overworked cybersecurity employees are struggling to pick up the slack. Knowing what your employees are going through and what it takes to keep them on the payroll is critical.

Make the Investment

One of the biggest mistakes that businesses (of all sizes) make is not investing sufficiently into cybersecurity and their enterprise networks. This means that the cybersecurity teams that are in place have to work overtime to keep everything working properly.

A study conducted by Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) along with Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) warns that insufficiently investing along with adding more work to employees results in a skills shortage.

Jobs go unfilled. And the jobs that are filled result in a high burnout rate.

Over 500 cybersecurity professionals were surveyed in the study. Over 50% identified that a shortage of cybersecurity skills has had a negative impact on the company that they work for.

Reduce the Workload

Your employees are going to be happier and more productive when you reduce the work load on them. Cybersecurity jobs are already difficult to hire for. However, by adding more staff, you can actually get better results. Additionally, you need to make sure that the staff you do hire has the skills that are needed. Otherwise, you’re adding to your payroll without getting the desired return on investment.

You have to focus on mental health. If your information security staff is in burnout mode due to extra pressure at work, it’s only a matter of time before they leave in pursuit of a better job.

Hire Knowledgeable Employees in Every Department

Employees are forced to remote work more than ever before. Many don’t know how to use cloud applications, which means that cybersecurity professionals are having to provide training. Further, there’s a greater need for those with skills in cloud computing security.

By hiring people in every department that understands how to use the cloud, you can set yourself up for a greater level of success.

Talk with Your Existing Staff

In the end, talk with your existing staff to find out what skills they need your next hires to have. They are in the trenches every day and know where their frustrations lie. Rather than guessing at what skills are needed, let your information security staff provide you with a list.

When you know what skills to hire for, you can be more proactive. It can reduce the level of burnout and ensure that existing employees and new hires stick around for the long haul.